“Sorry about Claire's passing. Both of us were not able to get to visitation or funeral, but wanted to know we were thinking of you. We will never...Read More »
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3 of 21 | Posted by: Gordon and Joyce Bennett - Lyndon, IL

“Claire had a very good sense of humor and always had a smile on his face. He was very well liked and respected in and around P-town, always had a...Read More »
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4 of 21 | Posted by: Ernest Brooks - Prophetstown, IL

“My condolences to all. I first met your family (Alex and Anna) some 60 years ago when they were farming my grandparents farm (Ted and Martha Taber)...Read More »
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6 of 21 | Posted by: A friend

“To Barb and Paul and their families:I'm so sorry to hear of Claire's passing, but because his love of people was evident to all who knew him, he'll...Read More »
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7 of 21 | Posted by: ANN FINNICUM - Phoenix, AZ

“He was one of the nicest men I have ever met!
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8 of 21 | Posted by: Richard / Barbara Oncken - IL

“So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I have lots of good memories growing up around you both and also with your Dad and the horse races. Jim &...Read More »
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9 of 21 | Posted by: Barbara Ottens - Morrison, IL

“I have many memories of the dances, of your folks playing cards at the folks home, Chuck and Mary Ashpole, and when you lived next door to us how we...Read More »
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10 of 21 | Posted by: Karen Bramm - Largo, FL - Friend

“We are so very sorry for your loss...our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
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11 of 21 | Posted by: Jerry & Bonnie Sternes - Yuma, AZ

“Claire was a very special person. We rented the house where he lived after they bought the farm. Of course it was the old house but they were very...Read More »
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12 of 21 | Posted by: Bevely Frank - ANNAWAN, IL

“Barb, so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I have good memories of your dad and mom and of Prophetstown. Again, to you and your family,...Read More »
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13 of 21 | Posted by: Rita Hill Griffin - Milan, IL

“Claire was a historian, just a great guy, and we loved listening to his stories. When he was in good health, he would come to our cousins' gathering...Read More »
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14 of 21 | Posted by: John and Arlene Dickey - Morrison, IL

“Paul, Sorry for your loss. I always was glad to see your Dad at the feed mill. He lived a good life and loved people. Glen and Denise, Destin, Fl.
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15 of 21 | Posted by: Glen Monson - Dixon, IL - Friend

“Barb, We knew each other in college days. I think of you every time we drive through Prophetstown. I don't think I met your father, but you have...Read More »
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16 of 21 | Posted by: Marcia (Bartz) Helke - Geneseo, IL

“Paul and Barb So sorry to read of the passing of your dad. He and your mom are part of my younger self's good memories. Always made my dad smile...Read More »
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17 of 21 | Posted by: Christy Blackert - Davenport, IA

“Paul, Barb -Nothing but great memories of your father. Floods my thoughts of both of them. Only the BEST to each of you and your families. Sincerely,...Read More »
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19 of 21 | Posted by: Jack Upton - Punta Gorda, FL

“They both were great people. My mother and father thought a lot about them. Now they are all together in heaven farming and telling stories. So sorry...Read More »
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20 of 21 | Posted by: David Scott - Prophetstown, IL

“Clair will be missed by so many. He was such a great man and a wonderful friend. He was always a dear friend to our family. God bless your family....Read More »
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21 of 21 | Posted by: Howard Scott - Cordova, IL

Alex "Claire" Bolhous, 95, of Prophetstown, died Monday, January 8, 2018 at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Prophetstown, IL.

Claire was born May 28, 1922 in Sterling, IL, the son of Alex and Anna (Voss) Bolhous. He graduated from Prophetstown High School in 1939. Claire married Loretta Wolfram on February 5, 1944 in Davenport, IA. He and Loretta farmed in the Prophetstown and Lyndon area their entire lives. Besides farming, he also enjoyed working for local truckers hauling livestock to Midwest markets. He wrote an agricultural column for the Prophetstown Echo.

Claire served as a board member of: the Benton St. and Centerville Schools, the Prophetstown Mutual Insurance Co., and the Whiteside County Soil and Water Conservation District. He was a member of the Prophetstown Masonic Lodge for 64 years, the Prophetstown United Methodist Church, the Moose, the Illinois Farm Bureau, and the Antique Engine and Tractor Association.

Prior to his wife Loretta's death, they traveled and regularly enjoyed attending dances with their friends. In retirement, he restored and exhibited antique Eclipse mowers and enjoyed the companionship of his many morning coffee groups, where he was viewed as the area historian. Claire's character will forever be an inspiration to his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Loretta; his parents; and one sister, Mrs. Mildred (Robert) Bengston.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 14, 2018 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at the McDonald Funeral Home in Prophetstown. Funeral service will be Monday, January 15, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the Prophetstown United Methodist Church with Reverend Mark Meyers.

If you would like to add additional photos, videos or other content to this obituary, it will need to be upgraded to an Eternal Tribute with the funeral home's assistance. Please click the link below for the funeral home's contact information.

Memories & Candles

Paul & Barb,Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a real people's person. Brings back many fond memories of him during our youth and ball playing days. As a long time friend of my mom, she will miss the visits with him at Good Samaritan.

Posted by: Larry Mattson - Wheaton, IL - Friend Jan 30, 2018

Paul and Barb, so sorry for your loss.

Posted by: Gloria Verhulst - Lyndon, IL - Family Friend Jan 15, 2018

Sorry about Claire's passing. Both of us were not able to get to visitation or funeral, but wanted to know we were thinking of you. We will never forget all the good times we had dancing.

Claire had a very good sense of humor and always had a smile on his face. He was very well liked and respected in and around P-town, always had a story to tell. Sorry for your loss.

Posted by: Ernest Brooks - Prophetstown, IL Jan 15, 2018

Extending our deepest sympathy to the family for your loss.Jim and Gary Anderson and families.

Posted by: Jim and Gary Andersib - Aledo, IL - Friend Jan 14, 2018

My condolences to all. I first met your family (Alex and Anna) some 60 years ago when they were farming my grandparents farm (Ted and Martha Taber). And then spent some time at the farm when your Dad was there. Claire was so nice to us kids and I've had a soft spot for that farm and farming since then! My thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss.Marti (Tate) Cisler

Posted by: A friend Jan 14, 2018

To Barb and Paul and their families:I'm so sorry to hear of Claire's passing, but because his love of people was evident to all who knew him, he'll be missed by many. I have wonderful memories of both your parents simply because they were so kind and caring and full of life. I'll always remember your dad and mine sitting in that kitchen at the farm telling story after story over coffee - until your mom would eventually throw them out. I'm sorry for your loss, but so happy he'll be reunited with Loretta again. Ann

So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I have lots of good memories growing up around you both and also with your Dad and the horse races. Jim & Barb (Rhine) Ottens

Posted by: Barbara Ottens - Morrison, IL Jan 12, 2018

I have many memories of the dances, of your folks playing cards at the folks home, Chuck and Mary Ashpole, and when you lived next door to us how we would play together. I am here in Fl. for the winter so I will miss the funeral but my thoughts and prayers are with you.